DC Thinks You Want a Show About Batman's Butler Because...Reasons

Epix is developing a live-action series focusing on Batman's butler Alfred Pennyworth.

Here's a shocker. The Hollywood Reporter says MGM-owned premium cable network Epix is developing a 10-episode live-action series based around Bruce Wayne's manservant, confidant and best friend named "Pennyworth". That's not the shocking part. The shocking part is it's not going to include Batman or Bruce Wayne. It's a prequel set before the comic books.

The second most shocking part is it won't be connected to that other prequel show that doesn't have Batman named Gotham. But the two shows share the same showrunner: Bruno Heller.

The third most shocking part is it's a prequel series set before the events in Gotham. It's described as "an entirely new story exploring Alfred's origins as a former British SAS soldier who forms a secret company and goes to work with Thomas Wayne — Bruce's billionaire father — in 1960s London". That begs a lot of questions. Like why would Alfred give up his secret company to become a butler?

So does Epix think this non-Batman-Batman show will be a modest hit like Fox's Gotham?

"As genuine fans of these classic DC characters, as well as the incredibly talented Bruno Heller and Danny Cannon, we couldn’t be more excited to make Epix the home of this series," Epix president Michael Wright said. "We can’t wait to work with Bruno and Danny — along with Peter Roth, Susan Rovner, Brett Paul and the team at Warner Horizon — on this fantastic origin story.”

No casting details or release date has been announced but we know it won't star Sean Pertwee, who plays Alfred on Gotham.

While the appeal of a Batman series without the caped crusader obviously exists since Gotham is in its fourth season, it's hard to imagine the enthusiasm for a series about Batman's butler. He does have a rich history in the comics to explore as a soldier but they've got their work cut out for them.

"Michael and his colleagues have created the perfect venue for original storytelling, and all of us working on Pennyworth are thrilled to be on the Epix slate,” Heller and Cannon said in a joint statement.

Pennyworth is often shown as Bruce Wayne's loyal butler, housekeeper, legal guardian, best friend, and surrogate father figure after the murders of Thomas and Martha Wayne. He first appeared in Batman #16 (1943) and was created by Don Cameron and Bob Kane.

When you add "Pennyworth" to the other prequel shows like "Smallville", "Gotham" and Krypton there seemed to be a rising interest in prequel shows. So look for a TV series focused on the history of the grandfather of Batman's dog Bat-Hound coming in 2019.

What do you think of the Pennyworth series?Would you watch a show about Alfred?
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